Taillon (Talion) High Desert Academy asks district to renew charter as large group of staff, students and community speak in favor

Representatives of Taillon (Talion) High Desert Academy presented their charter renewal petition to the Adelanto board and were followed by a large public comment block of staff, students, alumni and community partners urging renewal.

Brenda Congo, identified as Talion’s director and principal, framed renewal as a continuation of a decade‑long partnership with the district and emphasized the school’s mission to serve students who are truant, credit‑deficient or transient. Talion representatives said chronic absenteeism had fallen 21 percentage points, the 1‑year graduation rate exceeds 90 percent, and the school provides career technical education and workforce development partnerships, college exposure trips and wrap‑around supports.

Multiple teachers, counselors, learning‑center staff and students spoke in support. Students gave personal testimony about finding structure, support and improved outcomes at Talion; a former student described joining the Marine Corps after receiving support at the school. Community partners — including Adelanto Community Resource Center representatives — described years of volunteer work, donations (about $20,000 in the past six years) and joint community events.

Board President So to allowed the Talion group an extended 20‑minute speaking block before closed session so students could leave to go home; Talion speakers used the time for prepared remarks and to present student letters to the board.

At the close of Talion’s presentation and public comment the board opened (and then approved) the formal public hearing for the charter renewal; later in the meeting trustees voted 4–0 to approve the public hearing as conducted (that vote concerned approving that a public hearing had been held, not the renewal decision itself). Talion’s staff and community representatives said they stood ready to answer board questions should trustees seek follow‑up.